Method and apparatus for bluetooth-based general service discovery

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a method, system and apparatus for extending Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology to conserve energy in multi-mode wireless devices. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a device comprising a first module configured for radio communication at a non-BLE communication mode; a second module to communicate at a BLE communication mode; and a controller for controlling the first and the second communication modules, the controller configured to direct the BLE communication mode to at least one of advertise or scan for information relating to the non-BLE communication mode.

The instant application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/988,827, filed May 6, 2014, the specification of which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to a method, apparatus and system forBluetooth-based general service discovery. Specifically, the disclosurerelates to a method, system and apparatus for extending Bluetooth lowenergy technology to conserve energy in multi-mode wireless devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology provides connectivity betweenBluetooth (BT) mobile devices and a variety of BT systems, including,cars, exercise devices, computers, tablets and the like. The BLEtechnology supports relatively low power consumption of the mobiledevice. For example, a BT mobile device may be a small sensor, a watch,or a Smartphone having a battery with limited power supply and the BLEtechnology may enable the BT mobile device to communicate with thevariety of systems using a relatively low power consumption.

In all wireless devices an initial discovery process is used to identifynetworks and other devices capable of wireless communication. Forexample, a Wi-Fi network device may regularly transmit beacon signalswhich can be picked up and identified by other Wi-Fi devices enablingthem to discover and join the Wi-Fi network.

Similarly, BLE devices continually transmit and scan for BLE advertisingmessage in order to establish connectivity. For example, a first BTdevice (the BLE central device) and a second BT device (BLE peripheraldevice) may discover each other and establish a connection to enabledata exchange. Compared to the conventional communication modes, BLEprovides considerably reduced power consumption and lower cost whilesearching and discovering corresponding BLE devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be discussed withreference to the following exemplary and non-limiting illustrations, inwhich like elements are numbered similarly, and where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of device scanning and advertisingprocess;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary advertising packet according to one embodimentof the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a sample database for an exemplary D2D discovery serviceaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for advertising forneeds and/or capabilities according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for scanning for needsand/or capabilities according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary apparatus for implementing an embodiment of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 6 is an exemplary system for implementing one or more of thedisclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments may be used in conjunction with various devices andsystems, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, asensor device, a BT device, an Ultrabook™, a notebook computer, a tabletcomputer, a handheld device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device,a handheld PDA device, an on board device, an off-board device, a hybriddevice, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portabledevice, a consumer device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, awireless communication station, a wireless communication device, awireless Access Point (AP), a wired or wireless router, a wired orwireless modem, a video device, an audio device, an audio-video (AV)device, a wired or wireless network, a wireless area network, a WirelessVideo Area Network (WVAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN(WLAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless PAN (WPAN), and thelike.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with devices and/or networksoperating in accordance with existing Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) standards (IEEE 802.11-2012, IEEE Standardfor Information technology-Telecommunications and information exchangebetween systems Local and metropolitan area networks—Specificrequirements Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) andPhysical Layer (PHY) Specifications, Mar. 29, 2012; IEEE 802.11 taskgroup ac (TGac) (“IEEE 802.11-09/0308r12—TGac Channel Model AddendumDocument”); IEEE 802.11 task group ad (TGad) (IEEE P802.11ad-2012, IEEEStandard for Information Technology—Telecommunications and InformationExchange Between Systems—Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—SpecificRequirements—Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) andPhysical Layer (PHY) Specifications—Amendment 3: Enhancements for VeryHigh Throughput in the 60 GHz Band, 28 Dec., 2012)) and/or futureversions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operatingin accordance with existing Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Alliance (WFA)Peer-to-Peer (P2P) specifications (WiFi P2P technical specification,version 1.2, 2012) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof,devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing cellularspecifications and/or protocols, e.g., 3rd Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), and/or future versionsand/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating inaccordance with existing WirelessHD™ specifications and/or futureversions and/or derivatives thereof, units and/or devices which are partof the above networks, and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one way and/or two-wayradio communication systems, a BT device, a BLE device, cellularradio-telephone communication systems, a mobile phone, a cellulartelephone, a wireless telephone, a Personal Communication Systems (PCS)device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device,a mobile or portable Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a devicewhich incorporates a GPS receiver or transceiver or chip, a device whichincorporates an RFID element or chip, a Multiple Input Multiple Output(MIMO) transceiver or device, a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO)transceiver or device, a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) transceiveror device, a device having one or more internal antennas and/or externalantennas, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) devices or systems,multi-standard radio devices or systems, a wired or wireless handhelddevice, e.g., a Smartphone, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)device, or the like. Some demonstrative embodiments may be used inconjunction with a WLAN. Other embodiments may be used in conjunctionwith any other suitable wireless communication network, for example, awireless area network, a “piconet”, a WPAN, a WVAN and the like.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides power efficiency inmulti-mode communication environments. Conventional wireless devicesinclude multiple wireless technologies with each technology capable ofsupporting multiple services (e.g., printing, file transfer, remotedisplay, connection assist, etc.) Examples of other wirelesstechnologies includes IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad (WiGig), Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Di, LTE,LTE-Direct and ZigBee. While some wireless technologies have mature andmay have low power service discovery mechanisms, many do not. BLE hassimple and mature service discovery features which is ubiquitous inphones, tablets and mobile computing platforms.

BLE has a growing number of applications. Because BLE has low powerconsumption, it can be engaged continually without rapidly drainingdevice battery. An increasing number of devices include BLE and otherwireless technologies on the same platform.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a BLE radio is used to discoverother BLE devices and/or services (i.e., other device capabilitiesand/or needs). In another embodiment, the BLE radio is used to discoverother (non-BLE) wireless platforms and services. Using the BLE servicediscovery for other wireless communication modes residing on the sameplatform results in significant power saving.

The BLE communication mode may comprise a connectionless communicationmode.

The non-BLE communication mode may comprise a connection-orientedcommunication mode. The connectionless and connection-orientedcommunication modes may be engaged simultaneously for a communicationduration. Alternatively, the device may engage these modes sequentially.In another embodiment, the connectionless communication mode is used forgeneral device discovery. Once a device corresponding to the desiredattributes (needs and/or capabilities) is discovered, then theconnection-oriented platform establishes communication with thecorresponding device.

In an exemplary embodiment, a platform that supports a BLE device andnon-BLE device may use its general BLE device discovery for the non-BLEservices. If the seeking platform (i.e., the scanning device) finds acorresponding device with a compatible need and/or capability, then thedevices can connect over a common radio and perform the necessaryfunctions. The common radio may be a non-BLE radio. Since BLE isubiquitous and likely to be always-on, the disclosed embodiments allowthe other radios to be turned off or operate in lower power mode.

In another embodiment, a BLE central device comprises built-in featuresenabling it to: (1) scan for BLE peripheral devices with certain needsand/or capabilities; and (2) advertise the BLE central device's ownneeds and/or capabilities. The needs and/or capabilities may includeother wireless applications sharing the same platform as the BLE centraldevice. These application may include Wi-Fi, Wi-Gig, Cellular or anyother non-BT application (herein, secondary communication modes orsecondary radios). Because of its ubiquity, low power requirement andservice discovery capabilities, BLE may be used to discover services(capabilities and/or needs) for use over non-BLE radios. Using BLEallows the secondary radios to remain off or in a low-power consumptionor standby.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of device scanning and advertisingprocess. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates how devices may advertisetheir capabilities and/or needs as supported by non-Bluetooth radios.FIG. 1 also shows how devices may scan to look for availableservices/devices that have compatible capabilities and/or needs. At FIG.1, device 102 scans for devices matching its needs and/or capabilitiesas represented by arrow 110. Devices 102 and 104 may be dedicatedscanners or advertisers. Alternatively, the devices may switch betweenscanning and advertising modes.

Device 102 (Device A) is shown as having needs A, B and C, as well ascapabilities X, Y and Z. Scanning may include broadcasting a signal(e.g., beacon signal) in one or more communication modes (e.g., Wi-Fi,cellular, BT, etc.). In one embodiment, scanning includes listening foradvertisement from other devices. Capabilities may include, ability toconnect on Wi-Fi or to communicate with the internet backbone. Exemplaryneeds include: printing, docketing and data sharing (for example, from acamera that has photos to share), projecting, etc.)

At step 120 Device 104 (Device B) responds by advertising for deviceshaving matching needs and/or capabilities. Specifically, advertisingDevice B may send a beacon signal advertising capabilities A, B and C,as well as needs X, Y and Z. Scanning and advertising devices maytransmit different signals (pursuant to different protocols) toadvertise or scan for each need and/or capability. For example, ifdevice 102 is scanning for a Wi-Fi need, a Wi-Fi signal may be issued bythe Wi-Fi radio on the scanning device. In one embodiment, the scanningdevice may not issue a Wi-Fi signal until a compatible device is found.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the advertising and/or scanningfunctions are implemented through the BLE platform of the advertisingand/or scanning device. That is, in a device having multiple radioplatforms, the advertising and/or scanning from non-BLE platforms can beconveyed through the BLE radio, using BLE protocols. One or morecontrollers may be configured to identify needs/capabilities from thenon-BLE platforms (or BLE-Platforms supporting a non-BLE radio), conveythe relevant needs/capabilities through the BLE transmitter andcommunicate any information received from a corresponding platform tothe appropriate non-BLE platforms. In another embodiment, the non-BLEplatforms are at sleep or on standby mode during this time so as toreduce power consumption. The non-BLE information is transmitted usingone or more non-BLE (or BLE) packets according to the disclosedembodiments.

In still another embodiment, the disclosure provides a generic frameworkand mechanism that may be used by a variety of wireless technologiesoperated by different BT special interest groups (SIGs) and standarddeveloping organizations (SDOs). The contents of the attributes in theframework (referred to as characteristics and descriptors) may bedefined by SIDs/SDOs.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary advertising packet according to one embodimentof the disclosure. The exemplary packet 200 of FIG. 2 has a 27 octetpayload. A larger or smaller payload may be used without departing fromthe disclosed principles. Packet 200 comprises service data type 210, BTservice discovery 212, SDO/SIG identifier 214, available bytes 216 andoptional additional service data AD types 218.

In packet 200, the first two octets 210 can be used as a field withinthe Advertising Packet for Service-specific data. In an exemplaryembodiment, these two bytes identify that the advertising data is forservice-specific data. The next two bytes may identify which service(i.e., the device-to-device (D2D) discovery service) is identified.

The second two octets 212, provide a 16-bit universally uniqueidentifier (UUID) to identify this service as the D2D Discovery Service.Next, octet 216 provides a single octet identifier such that thecontents of the packet will be known or to be defined by the specificSDO/SIG (e.g., 0x01=WiFi Alliance, 0x02=3GPP . . . ) Octet 216 (up to 22bytes) may be defined by the coordinating SDO/SIG. At octet 218(depending on availability) additional Advertising Data Types as definedin the Bluetooth Core Specification can be inserted. Again, packet 200is exemplary and other options for packet content and payload definitionmay be used without departing from the disclosed principles.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosure provides a similar packetstructure for the Scan Response (ScanResponse) Packet if more datarelated to services or connection setup through an additional radio isshared. The Advertising Packet and Scan Response Packet can be sharedwithout the need to connect to the remote device.

If a compatible device is discovered, the contents of the AdvertisingPacket (and optionally the Scan Response Packet) may be sufficient and aconnection may be formed through the non-BLE radio. In some embodiments,however, a BLE connection may be required to obtain additionalinformation for the non-BLE connections.

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a generic mechanism (e.g.,packet structure or database) that can be used by different SDOs/SIGs todefine packet content within the framework suitable for their respectiveneeds. By way of example, the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) may define thenecessary contents of a characteristic and the number of descriptors inthe hierarchy associated with that characteristic as well as thecharacteristic and descriptor contents. In one embodiment, the databaseis configured to support multiple SDOs/SIGs and may be scalable and/orextensible.

FIG. 3 shows a sample database for an exemplary D2D discovery serviceaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure. The database shown inFIG. 3 can be used once the devices are connected. The database of FIG.3 may be stored at the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) server. GATT isbuilt on top of the Attribute Protocol (ATT) and establishes commonoperations and framework for data transported and stored by theAttribute Protocol. GATT defines two roles: server and client. The GATTroles may be specified by higher layer profiles.

Referring to FIG. 3, the D2D database may include characteristicinformation for devices A, B . . . N. The characteristic informationfield may include pertinent descriptors, for example, SDO descriptors 1. . . n. The fields of the database may be modified to accommodate thenon-BLE platforms. It should be noted that the database is exemplary andthere may be several characteristics assigned to each SIG/SDO.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for advertising forneeds and/or capabilities according to one embodiment of the disclosure.At step 410, the initiating device (Device A) identifies its own needsand/or capabilities. At step 420, the initiating device looks for adevice that also has a non-BLE radio by conducting device discovery.Step 420 can be done by advertising an (e.g., broadcasting appropriatesignal). If such device is not found through advertising, then theprocess ends at steps 422. If such device is found, then at step 430, aBLE communication is started between the corresponding devices. At step440, the initiating device transmits advertisement(s) that include D2Dservice data. If no response is received, the process of step 440 isrepeated (see step 450). If response is received, at step 460, thecorresponding devices connect over BLE and expose GATT database orexchange other pertinent information. Step 460 may be optional. At step470, the initiating—and optionally, the corresponding—device awakens thenon-BLE radio on the platform. At step 480, the corresponding devicesconnect over the non-BLE radios. The information obtained during the BLEsession may be used to connect over the non-BLE radios.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for scanning for needsand/or capabilities according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Atstep 411, the initiating device (Device A) identifies its own needsand/or capabilities. At step 421, the initiating device looks for adevice that also has non-BLE radio by conducting device discovery. Thisstep can be done by scanning for available signals (e.g., broadcastedbeacons or other signals). If such device is not found, then the processends at step 423. If such device is found, then at step 431, BLEcommunication is started between the corresponding devices. At step 441,the initiating device transmits advertisements that include D2D servicedata. If no response is received, the process of step 441 is repeated(see step 451). If response is received, at step 461, the correspondingdevices connect over BLE and expose GATT database or exchange otherpertinent information. Step 461 may be optional. At step 471, theinitiating—and optionally, the corresponding—device awaken the non-BLEradio on the platform. At step 481, the corresponding devices connectover the non-BLE radios. The information obtained during the BLE sessionmay be used to connect over the non-BLE radios.

The flow diagrams of FIGS. 4A and 4B may be executed on a device havingmultiple wireless platforms, including BLE and non-BLE platforms. Theprocess of FIGS. 4A and 4B may be implemented by software or hardware ora combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the process isimplemented by an application residing on the device hardware. Inanother example, the process is hard-coded into a chipset or isprogrammed into an existing integrated circuit (IC). Each of thecorresponding devices may include an application providing similarfunctionality. The application may communicate with the BT or the BLEprocessor and/or radio such that the application is readily accessible.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary apparatus for implementing an embodiment of thedisclosure. The system of FIG. 5 can be an integral part of a largersystem or can be a stand-alone unit. For example, device 500 may definea system-on-chip (SOC) configured to implement the disclosed methods.Device 500 may also be part of a larger system having one or moreantennas, one or more radios and one or more processors and memorysystems. Device 500 may define a software or an app which can beconfigured into an existing controller to enable the disclosedfunctionalities.

Device 500 is shown with first module 510 and second module 520. Firstmodule 510 may define a primary communication mode, for example, Wi-Fi.Module 510 may further comprise a Wi-Fi radio, Wi-Fi antenna, circuitryand software and/or firmware required for Wi-Fi communication. Module520 may define a secondary communication mode, for example, BT or BLE.Module 520 may further comprise a BT/BLE radio, BT/BLE antenna,circuitry and software and/or firmware required for BT/BLEcommunication. Additionally, modules 510 and 520 may comprise controllermodule 530 to enable communication and execution between the modules. Inan exemplary embodiment, first module 510 comprises processor circuitry(not shown) to implement the primary communication mode and secondmodule 520 comprises processor circuitry (not shown) to implement thesecondary communication mode.

Device 500 may establish communication with a corresponding device inthe primary mode utilizing first module 510. By way of example, theprimary communication may be Wi-Fi. Upon establishing the primarycommunication or simultaneously therewith, a secondary communicationmode (e.g., BLE) may be established through second module 520.Controller module 530 may coordinate synchronization between thecorresponding wireless platforms residing on the device. In oneembodiment, controller module 530 identifies an attribute (i.e., needand/or capability) of the non-BLE platform by interrogating theplatform. The controller may then communicate the attribute through thesecond module using BLE communication protocol. The communication mayinclude both advertising the attributes or scanning the BLE channels fordevices corresponding to the identified attributes. Once controllermodule 530 identifies a corresponding device commensurate with thedesired attribute, the controller may communicate the correspondingdevice to the first communication module.

Controller module 530 may also engage the corresponding devices in BLEcommunication, for example, to scan for matching devices or to advertisefor devices matching the identified attribute. The controller module mayinactivate the non-BLE portions of apparatus 500 to conserve energy. Theinactive portions of apparatus 500 may be activated on as-needed basisor after the appropriate corresponding device has been identified.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary system for implementing one or more of thedisclosed embodiments. For example, the steps of any of theabove-disclosed flow diagrams may be implemented at the system of FIG.6. System 600 of FIG. 6 may define a mobile device such as a smartphone,a tablet or any device capable of wireless communication. System 600 mayinclude BLE and non-BLE platforms as shown.

Antenna 612 communicates with radio 610. Radio 610 and antenna 612 maybe configured for the primary communication mode (e.g., Wi-Fi). Antenna622 is configured to communicate with radio 620. Radio 620 and antenna622 may be configured for BT/BLE communication. While system 600 isshown with two antennas and two radios, the disclosure is not limitedthereto. Additional antennas can be added to system 600 such thatdifferent signals for different protocols can be received at differentantennas. Radios 610 and 620 may include transceiver components such asfront-end receiver components or a receiver/transmitter. Further,different radios may share the same antenna without departing from thedisclosed principles.

Controller 630 is configured to communicate with both radios 610 and620. Controller 630 may also direct communication between radios 610 and630. For example, if BLE communication mode is less energy intensive,controller 630 may direct radio 620 to communicate using the BLEprotocol. During such communications, controller 630 may place theremaining radio and antenna to sleep so as to reduce device energyconsumption. Controller 630 may awaken the other radio and antennaduring regular intervals (e.g., every few minutes) or on as-neededbases, for example, to transfer large data quantities.

Controller 630 also communicates with memory circuit 640. In oneembodiment, memory circuit 640 and controller 630 define interconnectedhardware controlled by software. In another embodiment, memory circuit640 and controller 630 defines an integrated firmware. Memory circuit640 may comprise special instructions 642 to direct controller 630 toimplement one or more of the processes described herein. For example,instructions 642 may direct controller 630 to: (1) establish BLEcommunication through radio 610 (and antenna 612) with a correspondingdevice; (2) determine whether the corresponding device can accommodatethe secondary communication means, and if so; (3) transmit appropriatepackets scanning for device matching need and/or capability criteria;(4) advertise for devices matching need and/or capability criteria; (5)receive response packets; (6) awaken non-BLE platforms to engage innon-BLE communication.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, controller 630 utilizes thesecondary communication mode to communicate additional information(i.e., information not directed to the primary mode synchronization).This information may include information that would be otherwisetransmitted through the primary mode at a higher energy consumptionrate.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor may comprise an operatingsystem (OS) running on the host computer or, if all radios are withinthe same system-on-chip (SOC), the background synchronization can beconfined to within the SoC and without involving the host computer. Thecontroller can perform these functions without awakening the host or itmay awaken the host to assist in the process.

In the OS embodiment of the disclosure, multiple standalonecommunications modes can be governed by a software. Here, eachstandalone radio has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address orunique network interface card (NIC). The software (or app) extracts theinformation from the BLE packet and direct the information to each NICto synchronize accordingly. The OS may use direct memory access (DMA) toconvey information to each standalone radio. In this embodiment, the OSis not directly communicating with each radio. Rather, a DMA controlleraddresses each standalone communication mode. The OS merely configuresthe DMA with appropriate instruction information.

In the SOC embodiment of the disclosure, an integrated chipset or radiois used for two or more communication modes. For example, the same SOCmay control both the BLE and Wi-Fi communication modes. Other, non-BLEradios may optionally be included. The BLE and Wi-Fi modes may have ashared antenna or each may have its own antenna. The SOC may include anintegrated processor configured to receive the BLE data packet.Appropriate information for Wi-Fi use are extracted and usedaccordingly. In one embodiment, a shared memory may be used fordifferent communication modes. The information can be written in theshared memory and each communication mode can then read the appropriateinformation. Alternatively, a shared bus can be used and the wirelessradios may communicate directly over the bus.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments of the disclosure.Example 1 relates to a communication system, comprising: a BLE platformto communicate with a BLE radio; a non-BLE platform to communicate witha non-BLE radio; and a controller to communicate with the BLE platformand with the non-BLE platform, the controller configured to: (a)identify an attribute of the non-BLE platform; (b) communicate theattribute through a BLE communication channel; (c) identify acorresponding device commensurate with the identified attribute; and (d)communicate the corresponding device to the non-BLE platform.

Example 2 is directed to the communication system of example 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to establish a non-BLEcommunication with the corresponding device.

Example 3 is directed to the communication system of example 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to maintain a simultaneous BLEcommunication and a non-BLE communication with the corresponding device.

Example 4 is directed to the communication system of example 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to maintain the non-BLE platform atsleep mode during steps (a)-(c).

Example 5 is directed to the communication system of example 1, whereinthe attribute defines at least one of a need or a capability of thenon-BLE platform.

Example 6 is directed to the communication system of example 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to communicate the identifiedattribute by one of transmitting a BLE advertisement or by scanning fora BLE advertisement.

Example 7 is directed to the communication system of example 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to identify a corresponding deviceby invoking a BLE proximity detection protocol.

Example 8 is directed to a system-on-chip device, comprising: a firstprocessor module to execute a BLE communication mode; a second processormodule to execute a non-BLE communication mode; and a controller tocommunicate with the first and the second processor modules, thecontroller configured to communicate an attribute of the non-BLEcommunication mode through the first module, identify a correspondingdevice commensurate with the attribute through the second module andcommunicate the corresponding device to the first module.

Example 9 is directed to the system-on-chip device of example 8, whereinthe controller is further configured to establish a non-BLEcommunication with the corresponding device.

Example 10 is directed to the system-on-chip device of example 8,wherein the controller is further configured to maintain a simultaneousBLE communication and a non-BLE communication with the correspondingdevice.

Example 11 is directed to the system-on-chip device of example 8,wherein the controller is further configured to awaken the firstprocessor module to communicate the corresponding device.

Example 12 is directed to the system-on-chip device of example 8,wherein the attribute defines at least one of a need or a capability ofthe first processor module.

Example 13 is directed to the system-on-chip device of example 8,wherein the controller is further configured to communicate theattribute by one of transmitting a BLE advertisement or by scanning fora BLE advertisement.

Example 14 is directed to the system-on-chip device of example 8,wherein the controller is further configured to identify a correspondingdevice by invoking a BLE proximity detection protocol through the firstprocessor module.

Example 15 is directed to a connectionless method for device servicediscovery, comprising: identifying, at a processor, an attribute of aconnection-oriented platform associated with a device; communicating theidentified attribute through a connectionless communication channelassociated with the device; identifying a corresponding devicecommensurate with the identified attribute; and communicating theidentified corresponding device to the connection-oriented platform.

Example 16 is directed to the method of example 15, wherein theconnection-oriented platform comprises a non-BLE communication mode andthe connectionless communication channel comprises a BLE communicationchannel.

Example 17 is directed to the method of example 15, further comprisingestablishing communication with the corresponding device through theconnection-oriented platform.

Example 18 is directed to the method of example 15, further comprisingmaintaining simultaneous connectionless and connection-orientedcommunication with the corresponding device.

Example 19 is directed to the method of example 15, further comprisingawakening the connection-oriented platform prior to communicating theidentified corresponding device.

Example 20 is directed to the method of example 15, wherein theattribute defines at least one of a need or a capability of theconnection-oriented platform.

Example 21 is directed to the non-transitory computer-readable storagedevice having a set of instructions to cause a processor to perform aprocess comprising: identify an attribute of a connection-orientedplatform associated with the device; communicate the identifiedattribute through a connectionless communication channel associated withthe device; identify a corresponding device commensurate with theidentified attribute; and communicate the identified correspondingdevice to the connection-oriented platform.

Example 22 is directed to the compute computer-readable storage deviceof example 21, wherein the connection-oriented platform comprises anon-BLE communication mode and the connectionless communication channelcomprise a BLE communication channel.

Example 23 is directed to the computer-readable storage device ofexample 21, wherein the instructions further cause the processorestablish a communication with the corresponding device through theconnection-oriented platform.

Example 24 is directed to the computer-readable storage device ofexample 21, wherein the instructions further cause the processor tomaintain simultaneous connectionless and connection-orientedcommunication with the corresponding device.

Example 25 is directed to the computer-readable storage device ofexample 21, wherein the instructions further cause the processor toawaken the connection-oriented platform prior to communicating theidentified corresponding device.

While the principles of the disclosure have been illustrated in relationto the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the principles of thedisclosure are not limited thereto and include any modification,variation or permutation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication system, comprising: a Bluetoothlow energy (BLE) platform to communicate with a BLE radio; a non-BLEplatform to communicate with a non-BLE radio; and a controller tocommunicate with the BLE platform and with the non-BLE platform, thecontroller configured to: (a) identify an attribute of the non-BLEplatform; (b) communicate the attribute through a BLE communicationchannel; (c) identify a corresponding device commensurate with theidentified attribute; and (d) communicate the corresponding device tothe non-BLE platform.
 2. The communication system of claim 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to establish a non-BLEcommunication with the corresponding device.
 3. The communication systemof claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain asimultaneous BLE communication and a non-BLE communication with thecorresponding device.
 4. The communication system of claim 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to maintain the non-BLE platform atsleep mode during steps (a)-(c).
 5. The communication system of claim 1,wherein the attribute defines at least one of a need or a capability ofthe non-BLE platform.
 6. The communication system of claim 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to communicate the identifiedattribute by one of transmitting a BLE advertisement or by scanning fora BLE advertisement.
 7. The communication system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to identify a corresponding device byinvoking a BLE proximity detection protocol.
 8. A system-on-chip device,comprising: a first processor module to execute a Bluetooth low energy(BLE) communication mode; a second processor module to execute a non-BLEcommunication mode; and a controller to communicate with the first andthe second processor modules, the controller configured to communicatean attribute of the non-BLE communication mode through the first module,identify a corresponding device commensurate with the attribute throughthe second module and communicate the corresponding device to the firstmodule.
 9. The system-on-chip device of claim 8, wherein the controlleris further configured to establish a non-BLE communication with thecorresponding device.
 10. The system-on-chip device of claim 8, whereinthe controller is further configured to maintain a simultaneous BLEcommunication and a non-BLE communication with the corresponding device.11. The system-on-chip device of claim 8, wherein the controller isfurther configured to awaken the first processor module to communicatethe corresponding device.
 12. The system-on-chip device of claim 8,wherein the attribute defines at least one of a need or a capability ofthe first processor module.
 13. The system-on-chip device of claim 8,wherein the controller is further configured to communicate theattribute by one of transmitting a BLE advertisement or by scanning fora BLE advertisement.
 14. The system-on-chip device of claim 8, whereinthe controller is further configured to identify a corresponding deviceby invoking a BLE proximity detection protocol through the firstprocessor module.
 15. A connectionless method for device servicediscovery, comprising: identifying, at a processor, an attribute of aconnection-oriented platform associated with a device; communicating theidentified attribute through a connectionless communication channelassociated with the device; identifying a corresponding devicecommensurate with the identified attribute; and communicating theidentified corresponding device to the connection-oriented platform. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the connectionless communication channelcomprises a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication channel and theconnection-oriented platform comprises a non-BLE communication mode. 17.The method of claim 15, further comprising establishing communicationwith the corresponding device through the connection-oriented platform.18. The method of claim 15, further comprising maintaining simultaneousconnectionless and connection-oriented communication with thecorresponding device.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprisingawakening the connection-oriented platform prior to communicating theidentified corresponding device.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein theattribute defines at least one of a need or a capability of theconnection-oriented platform.
 21. A non-transitory computer-readablestorage device having a set of instructions to cause a processor toperform a process comprising: identify an attribute of aconnection-oriented platform associated with the device; communicate theidentified attribute through a connectionless communication channelassociated with the device; identify a corresponding device commensuratewith the identified attribute; and communicate the identifiedcorresponding device to the connection-oriented platform.
 22. Thecompute computer-readable storage device of claim 21, wherein theconnectionless communication channel comprise a Bluetooth low energy(BLE) communication channel and the connection-oriented platformcomprises a non-BLE communication mode.
 23. The computer-readablestorage device of claim 21, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessor establish a communication with the corresponding devicethrough the connection-oriented platform.
 24. The computer-readablestorage device of claim 21, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessor to maintain simultaneous connectionless andconnection-oriented communication with the corresponding device.
 25. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 21, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the processor to awaken the connection-oriented platformprior to communicating the identified corresponding device.